phone service for one number, just to forward calls..

can you recommend an online service (VOIP etc).. I just need save a USA number (landline). I am not actively getting calls on this number. but I don't want to discard altogether either, since some old contacts have this numbers, whose contact I don't have anymore.

what would you recommend as the best and more affordable (long term) solution to only forward the calls or take voice mails. no other features needed, but the current number needs to be ported into it.

There are several reputable providers you can use for this purpose. I personally recommend Vitelity, Flowroute, or voip.ms.

Regardless of which provider you choose, you want to make sure that you will be able to port the number back out to another provider in the future should the need arise. The providers I mentioned should have no trouble doing that if need be. This is not the case with all VoIP companies, as some tend to hang on to your number (or hold it for ransom) when you wish to discontinue service with them.

I had exactly the same issue a couple of years ago in Ireland. The national telecoms company
Eircom, simply changed the landline number to a Virtual Number (i.e. not tied to a location).
This was much cheaper the cost of landline rental.

I can dial in and get messages or have calls diverted to another number.

Here is an explanation of their forwarding and the rates per minutes are extremely low, and that is good since you don't get that many calls on your landline.http://www.callcentric.com/faq/3/131
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I did see some low reviews on Vitelity, but it might work for you and RuhNet mentioned that one.

Callcentric is very good and a reputable company, however, their rates are a bit more than Vitelity and the others I mentioned. It is for that reason that I did not mention them (the OP mentioned that he wanted the most affordable solution). But they are an excellent choice otherwise.

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Out of all those suggested here on your question, I'm sure you will find one that works well for you.
Another idea is to keep track of all the calls that are forwarded and the names. After a period of time such as 1-2 years it may be ok to just disconnect that number, unless you think there could be persons or calls inward that would linger for many years and you are concerned to lose them.

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sachindurgeCommented: 2014-12-31

I would like to recommend you Vitelity Phone Services to Call Forwarding, Voicemail and Number porting options. Its easy to use and low cost. They have there own call center service if you like to receive your call on behalf.